England star Claire Taylor quits international cricket
- Published
Taylor played 15 Tests, 126 ODIs and 27 T20s in her international career
England right-hander Claire Taylor has retired from international duty at the age of 35.
She played in 15 Tests, 126 one-day internationals and 27 Twenty20 matches.
Taylor, the first woman to be named as one of Wisden's Cricketers of the Year, won the World Cup twice and hit 4,101 ODI runs - including the highest ODI score at Lord's by a man or women.
"It's the right time mentally and physically for me to step away from the international game," she said.
Taylor received an MBE in the 2010 New Year's Honours list after a phenomenal year in 2009, when she was player of the tournament in the World Cup and also played a key role in retaining the Ashes.
Her unbeaten 156 against India in 2006 remains the record individual score in a one-day international at Lord's by a man or a woman.
"Physically I seem to need to spend more and more time in the gym recovering from injuries rather than training to get fitter. I'm getting old I guess," she added.
"There are so many people to thank who have helped me achieve my dreams.
"It has been a long process with plenty of ups and downs, culminating in outstanding personal and team success with England in 2009.
"The squad I'm leaving has huge potential over the next couple of years and I wish them well for the future."
England and Wales Cricket Board head of England women's cricket Clare Connor said: "Claire Taylor's career has yielded some remarkable and unprecedented achievements.
"Her incomparable hunger to always improve, hard work, focus and mental toughness have combined to make her the best batter in the women's game. Claire has earned the respect of all who have played with her, against her, or who have had the pleasure of watching her.
"Claire should be hugely proud of the part she has played in the journey of the women's game, and specifically England women's cricket, during the last 14 years."
Australia all-rounder Shelley Nitschke and New Zealand skipper Aimee Watkins have also decided to retire following the four-nation tournament in England, which ended last week.